Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Thalassarche impavida
Profile last updated:
13 Nov 2024
Description
This species was formerly regarded as a subspecies of the Black-browed Albatross. It is similar to the more regularly encountered Black-browed Albatross but adults can be separated by the pale yellow (not dark brown) eyes, the heavier black brow (more extensive in front of the eye), the underwing having broad black margin, and the bill being a bright orange-yellow that may be reddish on the sides. Most immature individuals have darker underwings, a heavier black brow and a pale iris.
Distribution
This species nests only at Campbell Island and the adjacent Isle de Jeanette Marie south of New Zealand, with a total population estimated at 24,600 pairs. It ranges widely in Australasian seas. In NSW waters it is probably frequently overlooked due to the difficulties of separating it from the Black-browed Albatross. However, it appears to be a regular visitor occurring in most months of the year with peaks in winter during the non-breeding season.
Habitat and ecology
- Occurs in both inshore and offshore waters, including the continental shelf break and pelagic waters.
- Forages on fish, squid, crustacea, carrion and gelatinous organisms.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- The most pervasive threat to Albatross species including this one is accidental mortality and injury arising from interactions with human fishing activities, especially longline and trawl fisheries. These interactions have been implicated in the dramatic population declines witnessed around the globe and are the focus of conservation efforts. Longline fisheries are known to be responsible for the deaths of foraging Campbell Albatross, both inside and outside the Australian Fishing Zone.
- It is likely that occasional individual mortality results from becoming entangled, being affected by oil or other chemical pollutants, or ingestion of plastics or other marine pollutants.
Recovery strategies
Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological
community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified
0 priority actions
to help recover the Campbell Albatross in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Continue to develop and disseminate information on strategies and techniques which reduce the incidence of albatross capture in longline and trawl fisheries. Mitigation measures in longline fisheries include: undertake fishing operations at night, use demersal longline streamers, deploy demersal longline underwater setting chutes, use weighted lines to ensure that they sink quickly, and use blue-dyed bait. Mitigation measures in trawl fisheries include: deploy streamer lines, use bird bafflers, avoid the discharging of offal prior to and during net shooting, net binding, net weighting, removing caught birds without causing injury and placing waterlogged birds in dry boxes to allow feathers to be dried and reconditioned before release.
- Continue to educate fishers, ship operators and recreational craft users to not throw rubbish overboard which may result in entanglement or the ingestion of pollutants. Support programs which clean up rubbish along coastlines and coastal waterways, including estuaries.
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